President Obama will respect the wishes of Nelson Mandela’s family and stay away from the hospital where the 94-year-old former president is battling a lung infection.

Earlier this week, one of Mandela’s daughters called the international press “vultures” and his ex-wife is quoted by the BBC saying it would be best for Obama to keep his distance for now.

“I don’t need a photo op,” said Obama, who will visit the Robben Island prison, but not the freedom fighter once held there.

Obama, whose father was from Kenya, remains popular in South Africa, according to the BBC, although protesters in the capital rallied against his foreign policy.

— Posted by Peter Z. Scheer.

WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG